Rob Pyne has published ‘Rob Pyne: A Far Northern Life’ (http://www.robpyne.com.au/) and his website that promotes wheelchair access travel information for people with a disability, ‘Wheelchair Access Cities’ (https://wheelchaircities.com/). Rob Pyne was born in Gordonvale and raised in Edmonton and today still lives in South Cairns. Rob worked in various jobs, until breaking his neck in a diving accident in 1991, becoming a quadriplegic. He had lengthy care and rehabilitation in Princess Alexander Hospital, marrying his fiancé Jenny Brelsford while still in hospital The pair returned to South Cairns where they subsequently lived in the suburbs of Bentley Park and Mount Sheridan. Rob decided to study to assist him to re-enter the workforce. He then completed a BA in History and Politics at James Cook University (JCU) and a Law Degree at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Rob Pyne worked at James Cook University (JCU) from 2000 – 2007, resigning to campaign full-time for Council. Rob Pyne was elected to Cairns Regional Council in 2008 as Councillor for Division 3 and Re-Elected to this position in 2012. He then entered Queensland politics. At the 2015 state election he was elected to represent the electorate of Cairns in the State Parliament, where he served one term. A proud Far North Queensland patriot, Rob believed the major political parties have neglected North Queensland. In 2019 he published his autobiography ‘Rob Pyne: A Far Northern Life’ and established the website ‘Wheelchair Access Cities’ (https://wheelchaircities.com/). Rob remains happily married to Jenny and has one child Kate. Rob’s academic achievements and success in being elected to Council and Parliament have all been ‘firsts’ for a person with quadriplegia. In this respect he has broken down many barriers for people with a disability. Name: Rob Pyne Location: Cairns Occupation: Writer Education: JCU and QUT Country: Australia

Rob was born in Gordonvale, grew up in Edmonton and served on Cairns Council and In Queensland Parliament … Loves Cairns!